Much of the safety sensitive maintenance at foreign repair stations are performed by unlicensed workers who lack the knowledge, training, or ability to grasp the English language ? the uniform language of aviation. Beyond the very important safety issue, these facilities have led to the elimination of quality jobs here in the U.S., negatively impacting American families and their communities.

AMFA has worked for years to combat foreign outsourcing. In 2016, we were instrumental in adding legislative language in the FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016 to mandate employees of foreign repair stations to undergo drug and alcohol testing as well as background checks similar to their U.S. based counterparts. Although our success with this legislation helps level the playing field, more needs to be done to effectively limit, or eliminate, the use of foreign repair stations.

As aircraft maintenance technicians whose role is to provide safe aircraft, we have a sacred bond with the flying public. It’s only fair they understand where the aircraft they are flying on has been maintained, and this legislation will provide that information to them. AMFA applauds Senator McCaskill and Representative Garamendi for their leadership on this issue and continues to firmly stand by our motto, “Safety in the air begins with quality maintenance on the ground.”

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The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association is a craft oriented, independent aviation union representing licensed and unlicensed technicians and related employees actively involved in the aviation industry. These technician and related employees work directly on aircraft and/or components, support equipment, and facilities. AMFA is committed to elevating the professional standing of technicians and to achieving progressive improvements in wages, benefits, and working conditions of the skilled craftsmen and women it represents. For more information about AMFA visit www.amfanational.org.